The presence in Bydgoszcz is no coincidence. According to earlier plans, the presentation at WZL-2 was originally scheduled for December 2025. At the time, adverse weather conditions disrupted Embraer’s plans to showcase the aircraft in Poland. Even then, representatives of the Brazilian manufacturer stated that they would return to Poland at an unspecified later date. Ultimately, this took place in the first half of March – the prototype aircraft arrived at the 33rd Transport Aviation Base in Powidz on March 7, and in the following days conducted demonstration and test flights in Polish airspace, landing, among other locations, in Kraków (8th Transport Aviation Base) and Wrocław (an important hub in military air logistics) (Embraer KC-390 Millennium at Chopin Airport).
According to Embraer’s concept, an authorized MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) and upgrade center for multiple KC-390 customers is to be established in Bydgoszcz.
Why was Bydgoszcz the final stop? The answer is simple. In December 2025, a letter of intent was signed between Embraer and WZL-2, paving the way for closer cooperation between the two entities. This is, of course, linked to the plans of the Ministry of National Defence and the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces, which envisage the future acquisition of at least ten next-generation medium transport aircraft. It cannot be ruled out that this program will ultimately be decided between Embraer and Lockheed Martin (C-130J-30 Super Hercules).
The Presence of the KC-390 at WZL-2 Marks the Final Stop of Its Tour in Poland
The Brazilians have already begun laying the groundwork for future cooperation – and, as it turns out, WZL-2 is set to play a key role. This cooperation is to be based on several key pillars aimed at fully leveraging the potential of the Bydgoszcz-based company, which has specialized for years in servicing military aircraft of various types. According to the presented concept, an authorized MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) service center for air forces and other users of the KC-390 Millennium would be established in Bydgoszcz. It is worth noting that the number of European operators is steadily growing and currently includes Portugal, Hungary, the Kingdom of Sweden, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Austria, and the Czech Republic. Lithuania and the Slovak Republic may soon join this group. In recent weeks, the KC-390 prototype has also been showcased in other European countries, including Finland and Denmark, which may indicate potential directions for future marketing efforts. For WZL-2, establishing an MRO facility dedicated to the KC-390 would represent an expansion of its existing capabilities, which already include maintenance and repair work on the civilian E-Jet family under PART-145 certification (WZL-2 and Pratt & Whitney Rzeszów Will Provide Comprehensive Support for F100-PW-229 Engines).
So far, Embraer has delivered 14 aircraft, and the number of customers continues to grow. Notably, the flags of Uzbekistan, Lithuania, and Slovakia are already drawing attention. / Photos: Radosław Niesobski
Beyond the establishment of the MRO facility, Embraer and WZL-2 also see potential for the production of components and parts, though not publicly specified, for the entire range of Embraer products. It is worth noting that in 2025 alone, the Brazilian manufacturer delivered more than 220 aircraft of various types. This highlights both the scale of production and the significant demand for parts availability.
The third element identified by Embraer is the creation of a delivery center for the KC-390 in Bydgoszcz. According to the concept presented, aircraft in a basic configuration would be delivered to WZL-2 and then outfitted in Poland in accordance with customer requirements. Currently, depending on procedures, such work must be carried out in customer countries by factory personnel without access to full infrastructure. Establishing a dedicated center would help eliminate key limitations, such as the installation of equipment certified by NATO member states.
The KC-390 Millennium fleet currently in service has already accumulated over 20,000 flight hours. To date, Embraer has delivered 14 aircraft, which are operated in Brazil, Portugal, and Hungary. Deliveries to a fourth customer—the Republic of Korea—are set to begin this year. Further presentations to additional countries are also possible. According to Embraer representatives, this year’s production plan calls for six KC-390 aircraft, with deliveries expected to reach five units. The first Millennium delivered this year went to the Portuguese Air Force in January 2026.